What your tongue says about your health
Your tongue helps you speak, chew, swallow, taste, and even rate your foods. And it can tell you about your health too. Your tongue can display symptoms of both chronic and acute illnesses. In fact, it might be one of the earliest indicators that something's not right. Take a look at what all your tongue can reveal about your health and wellness.
White spots
Creamy white spots might signal oral thrush, a fungal infection. It commonly occurs after an illness or medications disturb the mouth's bacterial equilibrium. White patches with a lacy appearance could point to lichen planus, a sign that your immune system is targeting mouth tissues. And if you come across hard, flat, unremovable white areas, it could be leukoplakia, which is linked to cancer.
Red or white bumps
Should you notice a white or red lesion emerging on your tongue, it could potentially indicate either early or advanced tongue cancer. Seeking immediate attention from your healthcare provider is essential. It's important to note, however, that not all tongue lesions are indicative of cancer. Many lesions can be benign, meaning they are non-cancerous and pose no serious threat to your health.
Black or hairy-looking tongue
A black or hairy-looking tongue can result from factors like specific antibiotics, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and smoking. Surprisingly, Pepto-Bismol, an over-the-counter remedy for digestive problems, can also temporarily darken the tongue's look. The good news is that a black or darkened tongue is generally not a serious medical concern, and it can often be managed by maintaining good oral hygiene.
Ridges
When your teeth press against your tongue, it can create ridges on it. This usually happens when you are asleep. The good news is that these ridges are not a big problem and they go away on their own over time. You don't need to do anything special for them. Just give it some time, and your tongue will be back to normal.
Red tongue
A red tongue can signal various health issues. It might indicate a deficiency in vitamins like folic acid and B-12. Another possibility is geographic tongue, where red patches with white borders appear, often shifting location. Scarlet fever, linked to strep throat, can also cause a red tongue. Similarly, Kawasaki disease, common in young children, causes inflamed blood vessels and red tongue.
